Close Brothers Motor Finance highlights the most popular cars to finance in 2025. Zero Emission Vehicle mandate targets, fluctuating demand and changing consumer trends surrounding electric vehicles created a tricky landscape for manufacturers and dealers to contend with over the past 12 months. Ongoing economic uncertainty and concerns around factors such … [Read more...]
Features
High winds warning and where to avoid
Research from MoneySuperMarket reveals the most dangerous UK roads for van drivers to travel on during windy conditions of the next few days. High winds can be dangerous for vans because their large surface area and lighter rear loads make them easier to go off course and fall over. Rare RED WARNING notices have been issued for the West Country today … [Read more...]
Holyhead Port closes after incident
Holyhead Port is temporarily closed after a ferry collided with a berthing quay. It is not known when it will reopen and passengers have been advised to contact their travel organiser for more details and possible alternative routes across the Irish sea. The terminal was affected by another incident during a storm last year. Then, services were diverted … [Read more...]
Learners & older drivers facing changes
Consultations have started on a big shake up to Britain's driving laws. Learner drivers in England and Wales may face a minimum period of up to six months between sitting their theory and practical tests with lessons counting from qualified instructors and friends or family drivers. The new policies were unveiled today. A lower drink-driving limit in … [Read more...]
Sharing and saving for fleet evs
Sharing the charging infrastructure of local businesses could answer the needs of fleets whose drivers lack off-road parking, so can't install their own charger, believes the Association of Fleet Professionals. Paul Hollick, chair, AFP, says such facilities, available out-of-hours, can often be found near to employee’s terraced homes and apartments. “In … [Read more...]
Car registrations rise amid warnings
Last year's new cars registration in Britain passed two million for the first time since the pandemic. But the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said it was only due to makers' incentives estimated at £11,000 per electric vehicle which is an unsustainable figure and they want more Government support and buyers' encouragement. One in four of the … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 January
Diesels are dying in Europe. Latest registration figures analysed by GlogalData show October's European share of diesel engines was 10.4% but in November it dropped to 10% while BEV and Hybrid cars surged and are expected to accelerate this year after Germany introduces an ev-incentive. China's BYD brand is now outselling America's Tesla range. Combined … [Read more...]
Winter is a wild time for motorists
Over 1.2 million vehicle breakdowns are expected to occur during the coldest months - the equivalent of 9 breakdowns a minute. James Harding, a tyre specialist with 15 years of experience at Blackcircles has revealed the top five most common car issues drivers face during the winter months. 1. Weak or failing batteries “Cold temperatures significantly … [Read more...]
New Year resolution for learners
Bill Plant Driving School is urging learner drivers to prepare for the recent driving test changes introduced by the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency. The changes, published in a full report this month, are designed to make the system fairer, reduce misuse, and give learner drivers more control. Following a nationwide consultation with driving students, … [Read more...]
Wales seriously lagging behind ability to repair EVs
A new analysis from Scrap Car Comparison reveals a growing EV “postcode lottery” in Wales, with several local authorities offering no access at all to fully certified EV mechanics, despite EV adoption continuing to rise. The study compared every UK motor repair business with those that employ at least one IMI TechSafe qualified EV technician. This allowed … [Read more...]
